There has been significant media coverage of the Coronavirus(COVID-19) situation. As this is an ongoing concern, we have summarized hereunder with the key information related to the Coronavirus(COVID-19) outbreak for your easier reference.

Please note that the below information may change in very short notice. The information provided here is a guideline and for reference only. Passengers should check their personal circumstances with the information published by the Government of their destination country before travelling.

(1) GOVERNMENT ADVISORIES / TRAVEL BAN

Several countries / regions have issued various levels of travel advisories, as well as some measures, for their citizens travelling to China, including the below:

Australia:

An entry ban for foreign nationals remains in effect. Permanent residents and long-term pass holders, as well as their immediate relatives, are allowed to enter the country. The government is requiring all returning passengers to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is maintaining its outbound international travel advisory for citizens at "Do Not Travel," the highest level, and the country has banned most citizens from outbound travel. Citizens living in other countries, government officials on business, and workers at offshore facilities are exempt from the restriction. Exceptions are also in place for airline and maritime staff and crews for international cargo shipments.

Argentina:

Nonresident foreign nationals barred from entering until further notice. Mandatory quarantine nationwide through at least May 24.

Austria:

Austrian orders will reopen borders to all neighboring countries, except for Italy, from June 4; borders with Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary will reopen; In addition, travelers from these countries will not be required to self-isolate or provide a negative test for COVID-19. Airports in the country are open, albeit with a reduced schedule; Austrian Airlines (OS) will resume commercial flights from June 15.

The following COVID-19-related restrictions remain in place in Austria:

Travelers from non-neighboring Schengen Area countries, except Italy, entering Austria must either present a medical certificate no more than four days old showing a negative COVID-19 test result or else they are required to begin a 14-day quarantine. Testing is available at Vienna International Airport (VIE) for citizens and residents of Austria.

Entry to Austria is prohibited for travelers from countries outside the Schengen Area.

Rail services between Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic remain suspended; trains to Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland are operating with a reduced schedule; trains within Austria are operating on a normal schedule since May 11.

Bangladesh:

Authorities have extended the ban on international flights, except for services to and from China, through at least Jun 15. Limited domestic passenger flights have resumed since June 1, though cancellations are likely due to low demand. Land borders with India and Myanmar are closed to travelers. While on-arrival visa issuance remains suspended, additional travel bans continue for those with travel history to the EU or Iran since March 1. Foreign nationals arriving in Bangladesh are required to provide a medical certificate (with an English translation) no older than 72 hours on arrival, indicating that they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Officials still require persons to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival.

Brazil:

Officials in Brazil extended the ban on entry of all nonresident foreign nationals by air, land, and water for a period of 30 days as of May 22, as part of the country's efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials did not state when the 30-day period started, but the measure is likely to be in place through at least June 21. Foreign nationals with a layover in Brazil en route to their destination countries are exempt as long as they do not leave the international area of the airport. Foreigners will be allowed to cross the border into Brazil provided they have proof of an onward flight that takes them to their country of residence, but they will need permission from the federal police. The entry restrictions do not apply to air, ground, or maritime freight transport, nor to humanitarian transport.

Brunei:

As of April 6, Bruneian authorities are requiring all travelers, including citizens and foreigners, entering the country to undergo quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days. Authorities have banned foreign nationals, including long-term pass holders, from entering or transiting in Brunei since March 24. Officials are only allowing the entry of foreigners whose work relates to matters of national interest, such as transporting necessities like food and medical supplies. Officials have also barred Bruneian nationals from leaving the country, except for medical emergency or resuming studies.

Canada:Authorities in Canada have extended the closure of the country's land border with the US to nonessential travel through Jun 22 as part of their effort to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Airline and railway operators will question all prospective travelers regarding symptoms and recent travel and deny boarding to any passengers whose answers indicate possible infection, or any passengers they observe displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19. Travelers who are denied boarding will be barred from air or train travel for at least 14 days unless they can show a medical certificate confirming that any symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19. These measures target intercity air and rail travel and do not apply to intracity commuter train services. These measures will be in place through at least April 30.

A ban on entry for nonresident foreign nationals remains in place through at least June 30, except for aircrew members and diplomats, as well as immediate family members of Canadian and US citizens traveling by plane for essential purposes. Nevertheless, no person exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be allowed to board planes flying to Canada, including Canadian citizens. Moreover, beginning the same date, all international flights to Canada - with the exception of trade and business flights, as well as flights from the US, , Caribbean, and St. Pierre and Miquelon - will be permitted to land only at Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montreal Trudeau Airport (YUL), and Calgary International Airport (YYC). Canadian citizens returning from abroad will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

China:

Chinese authorities continue to ease some travel restrictions for foreign nationals amid reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Beginning June 8, officials will allow essential business travel from Singapore under a fast-track arrangement, which will enable journeys between the city-state and Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces and Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin municipalities. However, officials will continue to limit the total number of passengers under the program. Companies or government agencies can apply for special passes for inbound visitors, who will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure and obtain a visa; visa-free travel remains suspended for Singaporean nationals. Passengers will undergo COVID-19 testing again upon arrival in China and isolate at designated facilities (usually hotels) until their results are available. Business travelers testing negative will adhere to a pre-agreed itinerary and refrain from using public transport, except for private hire vehicles, for the first 14 days. The travelers will also have to download and use a health pass while in the country. Arriving passengers testing positive for COVID-19 will undergo health treatment at their own expense.

Authorities continue to bar all foreign nationals from entering the country; exceptions are in place for diplomatic personnel and C visa holders, which officials generally issue to members of flight and shipping crews, and essential business travel from fast-track countries. Most travelers, regardless of nationality, are barred from entering or exiting land border checkpoints. Officials are allowing "fast track" entry for business travelers from South Korea to 10 Chinese locations, including Shanghai and Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces. Passengers must have an invitation from a Chinese business to qualify for entry. Approved travelers will have to undergo testing in South Korea within 72 hours of travel and undergo testing again during a one- or two-day quarantine in China.

Foreign nationals present in China before the ban are not required to leave the country. Officials in Beijing continue to divert some international flights to nearby cities, where passengers receive health scans; symptomatic passengers receive treatment locally. Asymptomatic passengers are then allowed to continue to Beijing. All inbound international flights must land at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), where passengers will undergo further health assessments and review their travel history with authorities before going into quarantine. The municipal government allows some travelers in specific categories to self-quarantine; residents who live alone, travelers over 70 years old, pregnant women, and travelers with underlying conditions may seek permission to stay at home.

Czech Republic: EU citizens are permitted to enter the country for work or study, provided they can produce a negative COVID-19 test. Citizens and residents of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia may travel freely between these countries, provided they return to their home country within 48 hours.

European Commission:

The European Commission has extended a measure advising thirty European nations to deny entry to non-EU citizens through at least Jun 15. Countries included in the measure are referred to as the "EU+ Area" and include all Schengen EU-member states, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, and the four Schengen EU-associated states, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland; it is likely that all countries will adhere to this restriction.

Persons exempted from the closure will include family members of EU nationals, diplomats, foreigners with legal residency permits, cross-border and healthcare workers, and truck drivers transporting freight. The restriction will not prohibit the movement of people within the EU.

France:

French air and land borders will remain closed until at least June 15; most travelers will be denied entry, and travelers with a valid reason for traveling to France will be required to fill out a declaration form before entering. Repatriation flights will continue. From June 15, persons entering France, including French nationals, from a country assessed to have a high rate of disease activity will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Travelers arriving from the EU, the Schengen Area, or the UK will not be subject to this requirement.

Finland:

Authorities in Finland plan to ease restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from May 14. From this date, border controls with Schengen Area and associated countries will be relaxed to allow passage of commuter and essential traffic. Helsinki (HEL), Mariehamn (MHQ), and Turku (TKU) airports and the seaports of Helsinki, Langnas, Turku, and Vaasa are the only facilities currently accepting passenger traffic. Nationals of other countries remain barred from entry through at least June 14; the restrictions do not apply to freight transport.

Fiji:

Nadi International Airport (NAN) is closed for an indefinite period.The government is prohibiting persons who have recently traveled to the US, Europe, the UK, Iran, South Korea, and mainland China from entering the country. All arrivals, regardless of nationality, have to undergo 28-day self-quarantine after entering Fiji. Authorities have called on Fijian nationals to suspend outbound travel. Inter-island transport has resumed, and Fiji Link (FJ) has restarted limited domestic flights.

Guam: As of the morning of Feb. 3, officials are banning passengers who traveled in mainland China within 14 days of arrival. All arriving visitors from countries with COVID-19 activity are required to quarantine,

Hong Kong:

A ban on all nonresident foreign nationals from entering or transiting the territory remains in place indefinitely. Travelers from Macau, Taiwan, and mainland China may enter Hong Kong, provided they have no recent travel history elsewhere; arriving travelers must self-quarantine for two weeks until at least June 7. Authorities are permitting some mainland Chinese teachers and students, as well as businesspeople whose activities officials deem economically beneficial to the territory, to enter Hong Kong without having to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Hong Kong continues to restrict land border crossings with mainland China to the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint and along the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Immigration processing centers at Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal remain closed. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) remains open, and authorities will allow transit flights to resume at the airport beginning June 1.

India:

The Indian government is permitting entry of foreign nationals with a fresh or renewed business visa as of June 3. Authorized travelers include those with the managerial and technical expertise required by a foreign entity located in India, or an Indian entity providing a letter of invitation. Such travelers must approach Indian consulates for fresh visas regardless of previous visa status and may enter the country via non-scheduled flights due to an ongoing ban on commercial international passenger flights through June 30. Most international travel remains effectively banned; cargo flights are operational. International commercial flights will remain suspended through at least June 30, with some exceptions for the repatriation of Indian citizens and foreign nationals stranded in India, as well as the entry of business travelers other than those with B-3 sporting visas. Arriving passengers are required to undergo self-paid quarantine for 14 days; asymptomatic travelers will quarantine at a designated facility for seven days and at home for the next seven days, while symptomatic travelers will quarantine at a medical facility. Passengers seeking exemptions and waivers must discuss with authorities all intended destination and transit states prior to arrival. Officials also require passengers to download the Aarogya Setu mobile application for contact tracing purposes. Authorities are advising Indian citizens to delay all nonessential international travel. Authorities have suspended visa issuance and canceled previously issued visas for all international travelers, except for holders of most business, diplomatic, official, UN/international organizations, employment, and project visas. Foreign nationals already in the country will receive a visa extension upon online application. Officials are allowing some foreign citizens, residents, and long-term visa holders stranded in India to buy seats on Air India (AI) repatriation flights leaving India through June. The flights operate primarily to bring home Indian nationals who have been stranded abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These flights serve airports in several countries, including the UK, US, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and multiple Central Asian nations. Foreigners looking to board repatriation flights need to confirm their entry eligibility with the embassy of the intended destination country and book their tickets through the websites of AI or its subsidiary, Air India Express (IX). Officials are also maintaining an earlier ban on travelers from Afghanistan, the EU, the European Free Trade Association, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkey, and the UK. The suspension of international cruises, passenger buses, and train services continues.

Indonesia:

Indonesian officials have announced nationwide restrictions on air, maritime, and ground transport effective from 0001 April 24 to stop the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The order bans commercial international and domestic flights through June 1, while international ferry passenger services will be banned until June 8. Exceptions will be made for services that are repatriating Indonesian citizens and flights that facilitate the movement of specified officials.

The government has banned foreigners from entering or transiting in the country. The restriction exempts permanent residents, diplomats, and transport workers. Inbound travelers, regardless of nationality, who show COVID-19 symptoms, will need to undergo quarantine at government premises. Authorities are advising all inbound passengers to self-quarantine for two weeks. If passengers flying to and from Indonesian PSBB regions & Red Zone are required to present health certificate.

Israel:

Authorities in Israel suspended all incoming flights April 11. Israeli authorities announced that they will bar all foreigners from entering Israel until further notice. Israeli citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter. All persons arriving in Israel are required to self-quarantine at home for two weeks. El Al (LY) Airlines suspended all passenger flights to and from Israel through Jun 20. However, LY has announced that it will operate limited direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) twice a week and to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York once a week June 4-24.

Italy:

From June 3, borders and airports are open for arrivals from EU and Schengen Area countries, with some restrictions, and interregional travel is permitted. As of June 3, individuals traveling from EU, Schengen Area, and associated states will no longer be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, provided they have not traveled from a country outside this bloc in the preceding 14 days. Airports are permitted to reopen from June 3; all passengers are subject to a mandatory temperature check before boarding. Border controls remain in place, denying entry to most travelers from outside this bloc until at least June 15 with few exceptions; any such travelers with a valid reason for travel to Italy are required to fill out a declaration form prior to entry and will be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation order. Cross-border workers, health workers, and freight transporters are excluded from these measures.

Authorities removed restrictions on interregional travel within Italy as of June 3; however, officials in Sardinia require arrivals to register with authorities before traveling, and a number of other regions may conduct temperature screenings on arrivals. Interregional rail schedules have increased, though all passengers are subject to a mandatory temperature check before boarding. Any individuals displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are not permitted to travel and must remain home.

Japan:

The government will ban foreign nationals who have traveled to eleven countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and South Africa, to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from May 27. With the latest announcement, Japan's entry ban now encompasses some 111 countries, including China, South Korea, the US, Australia, and all of Europe. Authorities require travelers entering the country, including Japanese nationals, to quarantine for 14 days; isolation may take place at a designated facility or at home. Individuals under quarantine orders must refrain from using public transportation. Officials also require all passengers arriving from specified areas to undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which involves medical personnel taking a nasopharyngeal swab, upon arrival.

Flights from South Korea and China are only authorized to land at Narita International Airport (NRT) and Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Visa restrictions - The first and multiple visas issued by the Japanese embassy or consulates located in China and South Korea have been suspended.

Visa exemptions for Hong Kong (including HKSAR passport and BNO passport), Macau passport and South Korea passport have been suspended.

We have checked with Japan Consulate in Hong Kong, from midnight on March 9, all passengers travel (including Japan national) to Japan from China (including Hong Kong & Macau) and KoreaHK will need to wait 14 days at the location designated by the quarantine director and not use public transport within the country.

And Visa exemptions for Apec card holder with HKSAR passport, BNO passport, Macau passport and South Korea passport have also been suspended.

Macau: Officials have banned nonresident foreign nationals from entering the territory. Travelers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China - except Hubei Province - are exempt from the measure but will not be allowed to enter if they have traveled elsewhere in the previous two weeks. Residents and allowed travelers that have visited "high-risk" countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, the US, Canada, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Iran, and New Zealand, within 14 days of arrival will face mandatory quarantine at designated hotels. Residents and travelers that visited Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other countries may be allowed to self-isolate at home.

Malaysia:

Authorities have prohibited foreign nationals from entering Malaysia through at least Jun 9, with some limited exemptions such as foreign spouses and dependents of Malaysian citizens. All returning Malaysian citizens and any foreign nationals with travel ban exemptions will be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine upon arrival. Malaysian nationals are barred from traveling abroad while the restrictions are in place.

Maldives:

Maldivian authorities are permitting special entry for some categories of international travelers, including diplomatic, official, UN/international organizations, and business owners related to the resort sector. On-arrival visa facilities for all other foreigners remain suspended at all air and sea ports; visas will remain valid for travelers already in the country. Those planning on essential travel to the Maldives can contact the nearest Maldivian consulate for visa issuance after medical checks. Earlier, officials banned travelers from or transiting through Bangladesh, France's Ile-de-France and Grand Est; Germany's Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Wurttemberg; Iran; Italy; mainland China; Malaysia; Spain; the UK; and South Korea's North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang provinces. Authorities will quarantine Maldivian citizens arriving from the US at a designated facility for 14 days; those returning from other foreign countries will need to self-isolate for 14 days. Authorities have also suspended direct flights to and from China since Jan. 30 and barred cruise ships from Maldivian waters from Feb. 28.

Mongolia: The government has effectively banned international travel. The country closed its last open border crossing with Russia March 28. Commercial flights connecting Mongolia with Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey remain suspended. International train services with Russia have stopped through at least April 30. Authorities are placing arriving Mongolian citizens who have recently traveled in China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, or Iran under a 14-day quarantine at their own expense.

Myanmar: Officials have suspended all international flights, except for relief or cargo flights, and banned foreign nationals from entering through land border checkpoints.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also suspended visa issuance and visa-free travel to the country. Diplomats, UN officials, and aircraft and ship crew are exempt from visa restrictions. Returning Myanmar citizens and incoming foreigners, with some exceptions, will need to undergo a 21-day quarantine at government facilities and a subsequent one-week self-isolation. Authorities are allowing diplomats and resident UN officials to self-quarantine at their residence.

Morocco:

Authorities in Morocco have announced plans to resume passenger flights from June 15 amid easing of restrictions related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The resumption of flights will be entirely dependent on disease activity in the country

Nepal: Officials are extending a ban on all inbound and outbound international passenger flights through at least June 14, except for some charter flights repatriating stranded citizens.

The movement of goods remains permitted at international borders. Although flight and land border restrictions have effectively ended nearly all inbound international passenger travel, Nepal is maintaining a specific ban on entry or transit by travelers from Europe, Gulf Arab countries, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. Nepal has also suspended on-arrival and electronic visa issuance for all foreign nationals and non-resident Nepalese until further notice. Those wishing to travel to Nepal must contact their local Nepali diplomatic mission for visa approval and submit the results of a swab test demonstrating that the individual is COVID-19 free within seven days before the intended travel date. Officials have advised Nepali citizens against nonessential international travel. Health checks are mandatory at all entry points. Officials are advising incoming travelers, regardless of nationality, to self-isolate for two weeks or undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or in a medical facility based on medical screening outcomes. Intensified land border patrols to prevent unauthorized entry have continued, especially along the India-Nepal border; sporadic arrests and clashes are possible.

New Zealand:

New Zealand continues to ban all foreign nationals from entering the country. The measure includes citizens of Pacific nations, who were previously excluded from travel restrictions; however, exceptions will continue for citizens from the region and other foreign nationals for humanitarian reasons. Resident Australian citizens, permanent residents, and resident visa holders with valid travel conditions, as well as their immediate family members, are exempt from entry restrictions. Staff are conducting health screenings of all incoming passengers. Officials continue to require inbound passengers to remain at government-designated facilities for 14 days.

Norway:

Officials closed the country's sea and air ports March 16. In addition, all travelers arriving in Norway from anywhere other than Scandinavia must self-quarantine for 14 days. Enhanced border controls remain in effect until at least May 16.

Inbound international flights have resumed. Officials have restricted incoming international commercial flights at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while international chartered flights can arrive on Mondays and Thursdays.The government continues to suspend all visas, including visas that the government has already issued, and visa-free privileges, effectively banning foreigners from entering the country. The restriction exempts foreign spouses and children of Philippine citizens and diplomatic staff and their dependents. All arriving travelers will undergo a two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities. Philippine citizens, except for Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and uniformed personnel on official duty, remain banned from departing the country.

Romania: Travelers arriving from China, Iran, South Korea, or the Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia Romagna, are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Travelers who have visited certain designated outbreak hotspots in China, Italy, or South Korea could be placed into institutional quarantine.

Russia: Russian authorities will bar Chinese nationals from entering Russia beginning Feb. 20 as a means of preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The ban currently applies to all Chinese travelers, including those with business, work, student, personal, or tourist visas; Chinese travelers with transit visas will be permitted to transit Russian airports. The duration of the measures will likely depend on the course of the outbreak in China and other countries.

Russian suspended all regular and charter flights between Russian and foreign airports from March 25. The suspension will not apply to flights repatriating Russian citizens or other specific flights approved by the Russian government on an individual basis.

Singapore:

Singapore plans to allow business trips to and from select parts of China from June 8. Officials will permit travel between Singapore and so-called fast lane regions in China, including Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces and Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin municipalities. Companies or government agencies can apply for special passes for inbound business travelers; the program will begin with government agencies before expanding to businesses in the future. Visitors from China must stay in one of the approved Chinese areas for seven days before travel. Passengers will need to test negative for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within 48 hours of their departure and obtain a visa if necessary. Passengers will undergo COVID-19 testing again upon arrival in Singapore and must self-isolate in accommodations until test results are available. Business travelers testing negative will adhere to a pre-agreed itinerary and refrain from using public transport, except for private hire vehicles, for the first 14 days. The travelers will also have to download the TraceTogether contact tracing mobile application. People testing positive for COVID-19 will undergo health treatment at their own expense.

Only Singaporean citizens and permanent residents can enter the country, with limited exceptions. Officials have banned entry or transit of all short-term visa holders; the measure extends to work pass holders and their dependents, with exemptions for those providing essential services like healthcare and transport. All long-term visit pass and student pass holders will need to apply for government approval before traveling to Singapore. Officials are allowing foreign nationals to transit at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) with precautions in place. Authorities are requiring all arriving passengers to submit an online health declaration up to three days before entering the country. Officials are also continuing to conduct enhanced health screenings for incoming travelers at all points of entry; passengers who show COVID-19 symptoms must undergo a swab test. Authorities will transfer suspected cases to hospitals for further checks. All inbound travelers will undergo quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days.

South Korea:

The government continues to ban all foreign travelers who have visited China's Hubei Province within 14 days of arrival from entering the country. South Koreans who traveled to Hubei Province will need to self-quarantine for 14 days. Officials have halted visa-free and visa-waiver programs with countries that have entry bans for South Korean citizens. The restriction impacts travelers from 90 countries, including Australia, Canada, and most European nations. Authorities have also canceled existing short-term visas issued before April 5, requiring travelers to reapply for entry documents. The government plans to limit all but essential or urgent travel for foreign nationals to the country. Officials are testing all arriving travelers from the US and Europe. Officials will send arriving passengers that exhibit COVID-19 symptoms to designated quarantine facilities for testing. All inbound passengers, regardless of nationality and testing outcomes, are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations as of May 8 but remain limited by flight restrictions. Airlines have suspended routes and reduced flights amid decreased demand.

South Africa:

Regional and international flights remain suspended. Starting March 18, visas were denied to foreign travelers who have visited high-risk countries. Land border crossings are closed. All passengers are required to complete a health questionnaire and present it to Port Health upon arrival

Spain:

Spanish authorities will extend the current state of emergency until June 21; Numerous travel and movement restrictions also remain in place. Authorities require many international arrivals to self-isolate for 14 days. During the self-isolation period, individuals may only leave their residence for essential purposes, such as buying groceries or seeking medical attention. This measure does not apply to freight transport workers, aircraft crew members, cross-border workers, residents of Spain, Schengen Area residents transiting to their home countries, cross-border commuters for essential work, diplomats, and others with exceptional circumstances. Authorities are maintaining controls at air, land, and sea borders; most foreign nationals remain barred from entering Spain.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan authorities have indefinitely suspended the issuance of all visa types - including electronic, landing, multiple-entry, and residential - to foreigners regardless of nationality previously issued visas for foreign nationals, including residential permits, stand temporarily suspended. Such travelers will not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka. The restrictions do not apply to holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports. Foreigners who have entered Sri Lanka on or before March 14 will receive visa extensions at least up to June 11.

Officials have also suspended all inbound international passenger flights indefinitely; however, cargo transport, passenger transit, and international departures will continue at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Officials had previously halted all international services at the Jaffna International Airport (JAF) - Sri Lanka's only other functional international airport.

Taiwan:

Taiwan has extended restrictions on flights to mainland China indefinitely as of April 28 to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the island. Under the measures, airlines are only allowed to fly to airports in Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (SHA, PVG), Xiamen (XMN), and Chengdu (CTU). Authorities also indefinitely extended a ban on international transit passengers. The restrictions have prompted Taiwan-based carriers China Airlines (CA) and EVA Air (BR) to cancel most flight services to mainland China. Several airlines serving international routes have also canceled flights to the island amid reduced demand. Enhanced screening measures are likely to cause delays at transport hubs across the island, especially at airports in Taipei (TPE, TSA) and Kaohsiung (KHH) and main railway stations. An entry ban for foreign nationals also remains in place; however, exceptions are in place for foreign residents, diplomats, and business travelers executing contracts. All arriving passengers, regardless of nationality or residency, must self-quarantine for 14 days. Authorities are requiring some inbound travelers from Southeast Asian countries to undergo a 14-day quarantine at government-designated hotels. Passengers bound for Taiwan who do not accurately report their travel history could face fines of up to NTD 150,000 (USD 5,000). A health declaration form must be completed and submitted to Taiwan quarantine officers on arrival. Passengers can submit their details by filling out the online form prior to departure.

Thailand:

Multiple Thai airlines intend to resume domestic flights from May 1 with enhanced health procedures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Thai AirAsia (FD), Thai Lion Air (SL), Nok Air (DD), and Bangkok Airways (PG), intend to resume with certain precautions in place; authorities will leave empty seats in each row, have passengers wear face masks, and not serve food and beverages due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19. Officials extended a ban on inbound international passenger flights through Jun 30 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The government has also banned foreigners from entering the country, with some limited exemptions, including for diplomats and transport workers. The Thai government also approved visa extensions for foreigners already in Thailand through July 31.

Turkey:

International flights in Turkey will resume from June 18 after previously being suspended due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Initially, Turkish Airlines (TK) will fly to and from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden; it remains unclear when flights to other destinations will resume.

Domestic flights in Turkey have resumed from June 1 after previously being suspended due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The airlines resuming operations include Turkish Airlines (TK), Pegasus (PC), and SunExpress (XQ). Initially, flights will operate from Istanbul to Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon; flights to other cities are expected to gradually resume. Some international commercial passenger flights departing Turkey for major cities in Europe and the US are occurring on an ad hoc basis.

Authorities had already banned all passenger flights to and from China, Italy, Iran, Iraq, and South Korea, with the exception of flights carrying Iranian citizens to their home country. In addition, foreign citizens who have visited the above countries within the last 14 days are not permitted to enter Turkey, including for transit purposes; those with a residency permit will be permitted to enter Turkey but will be tested on arrival, which could result in quarantine or other mobility restrictionnepal:

Authorities request that all travelers who have visited Hubei Province, China, in the last 14 days, as well as travelers who have returned from Iran since Feb. 19 and from Italy since March 9, remain indoors and minimize contact with other people. Travelers who have returned from elsewhere in China and South Korea, as well as from Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, in the last 14 days and have possible COVID-19 symptoms should also self-isolate immediately. This guidance also applies to travelers with possible symptoms who have returned from elsewhere in northern Italy, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, or Vietnam since Feb. 19.

Authorities in London have partially closed the London Underground (Tube) network as part of efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Up to 40 stations will close at the end of service March 19, though several are already closed. London Underground will suspend operations at night. Other public transport services, including buses, will also be reduced. Public transport in other urban centers will likely introduce similar measures in the coming days.

UK:

Authorities in the UK will require persons arriving in the country from June 8 to self-isolate for 14 days in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Travelers will be required to provide accommodation information to border officials; health officials may perform spot checks to ensure compliance with the regulations. Persons without suitable accommodation will be required to stay in facilities arranged by the government at their own expense. The measures apply to arrival by air, rail, and ferry. The quarantine period will apply to British citizens and foreign nationals. Persons arriving from Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man will be exempt from the restrictions. Freight drivers and healthcare workers will also be exempt from these requirements.

US:Authorities announced the extension of the closure of US land borders with Canada and Mexico to nonessential travel through at least Jun 22. US officials have suspended entry for foreign nationals who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, UK, Ireland, and the Schengen Area within the last 14 days. The Schengen Area includes 26 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. US citizens and legal permanent residents who have traveled to the restricted country list within 14 days of arrival must self-quarantine for 14 days.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that incoming flights from the above-affected countries are limited to landing in the following 13 airports only:

Authorities plan to issue electronic visas to foreign nationals from 80 countries from July 1 following a reduction of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The countries include Australia, mainland China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, the UK, and the US. Citizens from these countries will be able to enter Vietnam through selected land, air, and sea border gates. Foreign nationals remain banned from entering the country through June 30, with exceptions for essential and skilled workers. Individuals who can enter Vietnam will undergo quarantine for 14 days at government-run facilities. Land borders with Cambodia and Laos remain closed for passenger travel. Authorities have approved visa extensions for foreigners already in Vietnam through June 30.

(2) AIRLINE UPDATES

Several flight operators have announced temporary suspension or the reduction of flights on routes serving China amid travel restrictions imposed in the country to contain the Coronavirus(COVID-19) outbreak. Further short-notice flight cancellations or adjustments in schedules can be expected in the coming days.

Flights Suspension or cancellation from/to China

Air Canada (AC): Announced Jan. 29 that it would temporarily suspend all direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai effective from Jan. 30 until Feb. 29. Click here

Air France (AF): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until Feb. 29. Click here

Air Astana (KC) : has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice. Air Astana flights from Almaty to Hong Kong remain unaffected by the suspensions and operated three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Click here

Air India (AI): has further suspended its India-Shanghai-India flights until end of June 2020.Click here

Air New Zealand(NZ):Auckland–Shanghai services are currently suspended until 29 March This will be extended to May 1 2020 with the first Auckland-Shanghai service now scheduled to depart on May 2 2020.

Air Mauritius (MK): has suspended service to and from Shanghai from Jan. 31. Click here Also, travel restrictions now in force in Mauritius, “any foreign national having resided in China or with a history of travel to and from China within the last 14 days” will not be allowed boarding on Air Mauritius flights as they “will not be allowed entry or transit in the Republic of Mauritius”. (China includes Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan).

Air Seoul (RS): Suspended service to mainland China as of Jan. 29. Click here

Alitalia (AZ): boarding on Alitalia and City Liner flights will not be permitted to passengers originating their trip from or transiting by People’s Republic of China:

that have not lapsed the quarantine period of 14 days out of the Country at risk (P.R.C.);

that do present any signs or symptoms of disease after the quarantine period of 14 days;

American Airlines (AA): has suspended flights between Los Angeles/Dallas-Fort Worth and Shanghai/Beijing upto Mar. 31, though it will continue to operate its service to Hong Kong Click here

Asiana Airlines (OZ): has suspended some routes, including flights between Seoul Incheon and Haikou from Feb. 2 to Mar. 1 and between Seoul and both Guilin and Changsha from Feb. 2 to Mar. 28.

British Airways (BA): Announced Jan. 29 that it would suspend flights to mainland China (Beijing and Shanghai) until Jan. 31 amid operational assessments. Extensions of the flight stoppage are possible. The decision does not impact flights to Hong Kong. Click here

In May, subject to government travel restrictions, Cathay Pacific will operate two flights per week to London (Heathrow), Los Angeles, Vancouver, Sydney and Delhi; and three flights per week to Tokyo (Narita), Taipei, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Cathay Dragon will operate three flights per week to Beijing, Shanghai (Pudong) and Kuala Lumpur.

CX will continue this skeleton passenger flight schedule for the first three weeks of June 2020. CX intend to operate additional passenger flights from 21-30 June. This will increase the operating capacity in June to approximately 5% across the passenger network.

From 21-30 June, subject to government travel restrictions, Cathay Pacific will operate five flights per week to London (Heathrow), Los Angeles, Vancouver, Sydney; three flights per week to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, San Francisco, Melbourne, Mumbai and Delhi; and daily flights to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai (Pudong) will be operated by Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon. Meanwhile, Cathay Dragon will also operate a daily flight to Kuala Lumpur.

China Airlines (CI): has also rescheduled and cancelled some flights to and from Mainland China through at least Feb. 10. Click here

Delta (DL): will reduce its weekly flights between the U.S. and China from 42 weekly flights to 21 through April 30. The cuts will not eliminate any of Delta's U.S.-China gateways, which include Beijing from both Detroit and Seattle and Shanghai from Atlanta, Detroit and Los Angeles. Daily service on each of those routes will be cut to three or four weekly flights.

El Al Israel Airlines (LY): has suspended all passenger flights to and from Israel through Jun 30.

Eva Air (BR): has cancelled some of their flights to and from Mainland China. Travellers are advised to check the latest flight status before heading to the airport. Click here

Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways will suspend all departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport immediately for an initial 14 days, subject to further directives by the relevant authorities. All Etihad Airways aircraft currently outside the UAE on Tuesday 24 March, will continue to operate to Abu Dhabi as planned, with the final arrival on 25 March, carrying passengers permitted to enter the UAE under current government imposed restrictions.

Fiji Airlines (FJ): will reduce some Hong Kong flights in Feb. and Mar. The airline will continue to monitor the situation and further adjust schedules to/from Hong Kong if required. Flight schedules to/from Singapore and Japan remain unchanged.

Beijing and Shanghai routes between Feb. 6 and Feb. 29.

Beijing Daxing, Nanjing and Guangzhou routes between Feb. 6 and Mar. 29.Finnair (AY): has cancelled some of their flights to and from Mainland China as follows:

Iberia (IB): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice.

Indigo (6E): has cancelled some of their flights to and from Mainland China.

Japan Airlines: Due to the demand declines on China routes, flight suspension and reduction of flight frequency (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dalian) will be taken place during Feb. 17 and Mar. 28.Click here

Kenya Airways (KQ): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice. Click here

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL): has suspended all flights to and from China until Feb. 29. Click here

Lion Air (JT): Suspended service to mainland China as of Jan. 29. Click here

Lufthansa Group airlines (LH): have suspended all flights to and from Mainland China through Feb. 9. As of 4 May 2020, passengers are required to bring face masks or covers and to wear them on board all Lufthansa Group flights.

Myanmar Airways International (8M): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice. Click here

Myanmar National Airlines (UB): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice.

Philippines Airlines: has extended until Mar. 28 the cancellation of flights between Manila and the following points in greater China: Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen, Quanzhou (Jinjiang) And Macau. Flight to Jakarta (CGK) are cancelled until 14 May 2020

Qantas will suspend their two direct services between mainland China and Australia (Sydney-Beijing and Sydney-Shanghai) from Feb. 9 until Mar. 29. There are no changes to our services between Australia and Hong Kong. Please note customers with bookings between Feb. 9 and Mar. 29 will be contacted by their Customer Service team to discuss the customers’s travel options.

Royal Air Maroc (AT) has decided to temporarily suspend its flights between Casablanca and Beijing upto Feb. 29.

Scandinavian Airlines (SK): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice. Click here

SCAT Airlines (DV): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice.

Singapore Airlines/SilkAir (SQ/MI): will further reduce their frequencies on services to Mainland China in Feb. due to the following entry restrictions issued by the Singapore authorities on Jan. 31.

New visitors with travel history to Mainland China within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore or to transit through Singapore

Or, previously issued short-term and multiple-visit visas for those with PRC passports will also be suspended. During this period of suspension, they will not be allowed entry into Singapore. Click here

SkyUp Airlines (PQ): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice.

Swiss Air (LX): Suspended service to mainland China through Feb. 9. Click here

The Georgian Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA): Suspended direct flights between the country and China.

Turkmenistan Airlines (T5): has suspended flights between China and Turkmenistan from Feb. 1-28.

Ukraine International Airlines (PS): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice.

United Airlines (UA): has suspended the flights between the US and airports in Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Chengdu (CTU) until Apr.24. Click here

Vietjet Air (VJ): has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Mainland China until further notice. The airline continues to operate all of its other international routes, including services to and from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Click here

Virgin Atlanta (VS): has suspended Heathrow-Shanghai operations until further notice.

Virgin Australia (VA): has previously announced the suspension of its Melbourne-Hong Kong services in Nov. 2019, which is effective from Feb. 11 2020. The Sydney-Hong Kong service will cease operating from Mar. 20.

Other airlines could continue to adjust schedules, cancel, or halt services as conditions warrant.

Flights Cancellations from/to Hong Kong

Hong Kong has significant flight cancellations between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and mainland China, as the government is halving flights between Hong Kong and other destinations in China. Click here

Brunei: Some flights have been reduced to Hong Kong until further notice.

Palau: Charter flights from China, including from Hong Kong and Macau are suspended.

Thailand: Travellers from China face health screenings at ports of entry. Airlines are reducing flights to several destinations, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan as a precaution.

Air Canada(AC) will temporarily suspend its Toronto-Hong Kong direct service between Mar. 1- Apr. 30 from Canada (Mar. 2- May 1 from Hong Kong).

Air France-KLM (AF/KL): The dual airline will cancel 3,600 regional flights through March 31. All flights to Italy to be suspended March 14-April 3. Flights to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan suspended through March 29.

Air India (AI) has further suspended its India-Hong Kong-India flights until end of June 2020. Click here

Air New Zealand (NZ): Auckland–Hong Kong services currently are operated by Cathay Pacific, will resume on Air New Zealand aircraft and services from 29 March. It will be adjusted from seven services per week to five services per week between 29 March – 19April, 3 services per week between 20 April – 30 June.

All Nippon Airways (NH):will operate an non-schedule flight between HKG and NRT from 22 May – 30JUN.

Air Mauritius (MK): has suspended all direct flights to and from Hong Kong until further notice. The suspension will come into effect on Feb.4. Click here Travel restrictions now in force in Mauritius, “any foreign national having resided in China or with a history of travel to and from China within the last 14 days” will not be allowed boarding on Air Mauritius flights as they “will not be allowed entry or transit in the Republic of Mauritius”. (China includes Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan).

Philippines Airlines: has extended until Mar. 28 the cancellation of flights between Manila and the following points in greater China: Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen, Quanzhou (Jinjiang) And Macau.

Scandinavian Airlines (SK): will suspend the flights to and from Hong Kong from Mar. 5 until May 4. and reduced in May.

Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) will suspend all flights between Hong Kong and Jinjiang from Feb.4 to Feb.29. Click here

Singapore Airlines (SQ) and its subsidiaries, Scoot (TR) and SilkAir (MI), continue to suspend most of their scheduled flights. SQ and MI plan to resume flights to several locations, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Osaka, from June and July.

United Airlines (UA) will resume operation of San Francisco-Hong Kong-Singapore in July (subject to government approval)

Vietnam Airlines (VN) will temporarily reduce service between Hong Kong/Macau and Vietnam effective from Feb. 3. VN595/594 service between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City will run as normal.

(3) SPECIAL TICKETING GUIDELINE FROM AIRLINES FOR CHINA

Most airlines have extended goodwill policy to allow full ticket refunds or to change flights free of charge through the end of February. For more details, please contact your designated travel consultant.